Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread

I make this sloppy Joe garlic bread when I want a fun, bold twist on a classic comfort food. It combines savory, saucy sloppy Joe filling with crispy, buttery garlic bread for a hearty meal that feels both indulgent and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together two comfort food favorites in one easy dish. I enjoy the contrast between the crispy garlic bread and the rich, flavorful meat filling. It’s perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or when I want something crowd-pleasing without too much effort. I also appreciate how easy it is to customize with different cheeses or spice levels.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread, halved lengthwise

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If needed, I add olive oil and drain excess grease.

3. I add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. I mix in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. I let the mixture simmer for about 5–7 minutes until thickened and saucy.

5. In a small bowl, I combine the softened butter with garlic powder. I spread this evenly over the cut sides of the bread.

6. I place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes until lightly toasted.

7. I remove the bread from the oven and spread the sloppy Joe mixture evenly over each half.

8. I sprinkle shredded cheese on top and return it to the oven for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. I garnish with chopped parsley, slice into portions, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

I find this recipe serves about 4–6 people.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20–25 minutes

• Total time: About 35–40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. When I want extra heat, I add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. I also like layering sliced pickles on top before adding the cheese for extra tang. For a smoky flavor, I stir in a little smoked paprika.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes to keep the bread crisp. I avoid microwaving if possible because it can make the bread soft.

FAQs

Can I prepare the sloppy Joe filling ahead of time?

I often make the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, I simply assemble and bake.

What type of bread works best?

I prefer French or Italian bread because it holds up well under the saucy topping and crisps nicely in the oven.

Can I freeze this recipe?

I freeze the sloppy Joe filling separately for up to 2 months. I assemble it on fresh bread before baking for the best texture.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

I lightly toast the garlic bread before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier and keeps the bread crisp.

Can I make this without cheese?

I skip the cheese when I want a simpler version. The sloppy Joe mixture and garlic butter still provide plenty of flavor.

Conclusion

I turn to this sloppy Joe garlic bread when I want something hearty, flavorful, and a little fun. The combination of crispy garlic bread, savory meat filling, and melted cheese creates a meal that feels comforting and satisfying every time I make it.

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